Crohn's disease is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes inflammation of the digestive tract lining. This inflammation often spreads deep into the layers of affected bowel tissues. Symptoms of Crohn’s disease can range from mild to severe and may develop gradually or come on suddenly, without warning.

When the disease is active, the most common symptoms are severe diarrhea, abdominal pain and cramping, blood in the stool, ulcers in the intestinal walls, and reduced appetite and weight loss as a result of digestive discomfort and the body’s reduced ability to absorb nutrients. Other symptoms that may accompany Crohn’s diease include fever, fatigue, arthritis, eye inflammation, skin disorders, and inflammation of the liver or bile ducts.

the cause of Crohn's disease remains unknown but it is believed to be caused by a combination of heredity and a malfunctioning immune system. Diet, stress, and certain medications may aggravate the condition.

there is also no known medical cure for Crohn's disease, and medical treatment focuses on reducing the inflammation in order to relieve symptoms and if possible to promote long-term remission. Treatment for Crohn's disease usually involves medications such as anti-inflammatories, immune system suppressors, and antibiotics, combined with other medications to help with the symptoms. In severe cases, surgery may be performed to remove a section of the intestinal tract.

because Chinese medicine developed independently from Western medicine, it has its own disease classifications that do not always correspond with Western medical classifications. TCM diagnosis is based on the collective symptoms that a person is experiencing, and together these symptoms create a picture that leads us to the cause. Depending on symptoms, we may classify Crohn’s disease as a type of abdominal pain or diarrhea, or both.

because Crohn’s disease affects the body’s digestive system, it may involve a weakness or disorder of the stomach, spleen, large intestine, and/or kidneys. This is usually due to a constitutional weakness (genetics) that can be aggravated by diet, environment, emotional stress, overwork, or chronic illness, leading to the development of this condition.

Acupuncture treatments can help to relieve the symptoms of a flare-up of Crohn’s disease. Diarrhea and abdominal pain particularly respond well to acupuncture. not only does acupuncture help with the symptoms of a flare-up, but it can also help to strengthen the body and correct functioning to promote faster remission and a reduction in the frequency and severity of future flare-ups.

because we are dealing with a more complex, chronic condition, recovery from Crohn’s disease with acupuncture will be a gradual and steady process, rather than an instant fix. Acupuncture engages the healing process, and each treatment builds on the progress of the last. Conditions like Crohn’s disease that develop over a longer period of time take more time to reverse and undo. However, acupuncture is a positive option that can help sufferers of Crohn’s disease live more symptom-free and experience a better quality of life.

Hi, I was just wondering. I've had Crohn's for about two years, but I have almost no classical symptoms. I do lose weight and seem to be a lot shorter than everyone else, but other than that my symptoms are sort of the opposite of what the classical ones are, if you know what I mean. I just wanted to know how many of us are out there, and any tips or tricks you use to help yourself overcome problems and flairs. Thanks!

Hello well i dont have Crohns but i do work for the number 1 health and wellness company in the world. I would love to help you if youll let me. My name is Billy Walters. If you would like some more information please contact me at or please give me a call at my home office at 307 851 6481. Hope to hear from you soon.
Sincerely,
Billy Walters

Successfully used Takara detox foot patches to treat horrible TMJ pain. Nothing else helped for YEARS, including Dr's, drugs, etc. I put the patches straight on my face and the back of my neck and they have cured my TMJ pain. They used to turn black, but they are not as much now. I decided to use them to detox my colon because, after years of having Crohn's, I figured the build up of toxins should go. I put one patch on the bottom of my right foot on the meridian corresponding with the colon/intestines. I had not had Crohn's symptoms in MONTHS, not even pain. Within FOUR hours of putting that patch on my foot, I was doubled over with Crohn's pain right in the spot where it always is. I figured the patch was working, so I stupidly left it on for 4 more hours. I was sick for a week. I waited 2 weeks; tried again. I bought a less potent brand of patch and put it on for 4 hours. I had the same pain reaction, so I took it off. I didn't want to get sick. Why is this happening?

I heard from some people and websites that Crohn's Disease symptoms can/may be eased through Marijuana use.
Is this true?
I mean, can anyone on here tell me if they do better smoking pot?

A bill legalizing medical marijuana may be passed in NJ soon and i would like it to because if marijuana eases my pain and nausea, i want it as medicine.

To Shannon W….smoking is known to WORSEN Crohn's, but interestingly, seems to have a protective benefit in ulcerative colitis (similar to Crohn's disease but known to only affect the colon). I'm not sure if it's from the smoke itself or the nicotine and other stuff in cigarettes, or both, but I just know that anyone with Crohn's is encouraged to AVOID smoking. and yes, smoking is bad for you anyway, so it's dumb to smoke just in hopes it will keep ulcerative colitis in remission or at bay.

I have mixed feelings on marijuana being legal. I definitely think it should be legal for medical use, but I'm not sure about it being legal for general use. Of course it's safer than other illegal drugs overall, but it doesn't mean it's good in every way. I don't know if the smoke from marijuana could worsen Crohn's or UC, but it sure seems to have good medical benefits for people with cancer, let alone someone with Crohn's or UC who might have pain and/or nausea.

I'm Christian too so that plays a role in how I feel about using drugs to get high on and deal with things, even if it's a legal drug. and I know you asked about using weed for medical use, but I figured I'd mention this anyway. I didn't know marijuana has been decriminalized in MA, but that's cool if so, especially for people who could really benefit from it medically. Even though a lot is known about it, I still think it should be studied more for medical use. I'm sure if it becomes legal in more places, that might be what happens eventually. but even if it's legal in a state, the federal govt. can override things and shut down places that sell marijuana for medical use, or stop doctors from giving it I'm pretty sure. but hopefully that happens less and less, since a lot of people want it for valid medical reasons, and not just to get high.

I have Crohn's and although I have never heard of marijuana helping, (well, I am sure it would with the nausea) I have heard that just plain old smoking can help. I have had 2 doctor's tell me that back in the 50's & 60's smoking cigarettes was regularlly suggested to people with stomach and bowel issues. although, now the risk of other diseases and cancers far outways the solution.

Now, I can see the positive side of using marijuana for pain management, cramping and nausea, but when I am going through a flare up, eating is the last thing I want to do. the more I eat, the more pain I get, so what would the muchies do? Maybe make the problem worse? or perhaps if there is no pain, you could eat?

Here is a link I found to the Cannabis Coalition of Crohn's & Colitis:

Emily Morgan has a passion for swimming and is unflappably positive. she also has ulcerative colitis, a condition many people don’t know about and many others don’t want to talk about.

Not only is Emily not afraid to talk about her disease, but she hasn’t let it slow her down.

An avid swimmer, her room has a desk plastered with ribbons and covered in gold trophies.  

“She’s real open about it and willing to talk,” said Jody Morgan, Emily’s mom. “her motto was she wasn’t going to let it beat her.”

“if anything, I’ve tried to turn it into a positive experience,” Emily said.

2011 HONORED HERO

This year she is being honored by the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America at its Take Steps walk.

“a bright, vivacious teenager, Emily embodies great strength and courage,” said Monica Wissbaum, publicity chairwoman for the Charlotte Chapter of the CCFA Take Steps Walk. “rather than let her illness define her, Emily has embraced it, and now wants to educate and empower others who face the same diagnosis she did.”

Wissbaum said Emily was recommended as the 2011 honored hero by the Levine Children’s specialty center.

“she was chosen because of her involvement with the CCFA and because she’s an amazing young lady with an amazing story and a positive outlook,” Wissbaum said.

‘WE DIDN’T KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT IT’

In 2008, Emily said she started having different symptoms, which included severe stomach aches.

Her doctor referred her to a Charlotte specialist and after going through several tests, she was told she had something called ulcerative colitis.

“We didn’t know anything about it,” Emily said.

She immediately started taking medications, but after a month or two, she said it was as if her body became immune to them and they would stop working.

She had to deal with constant flare-ups, which would cause stomachaches and constant trips to the bathroom.

Emily said the seriousness of her illness didn’t really hit her until she was hospitalized in the ninth grade due to dehydration and anemia.

She said she was admitted to the Levine’s Children’s Hospital right before her 16th birthday.

At the thought of spending her birthday in the hospital, Morgan said she had a moment of self-pity.

“why me?” she said. “I never did anything wrong to deserve this.”

It began to impact the things she loved.

“It got to the point she was having a hard time swimming,” said Jody Morgan.

She didn’t feel like hanging out with friends.

“It was affecting my everyday life,” Emily said.

After a flare-up, she would be given a higher dose of steroids. Emily said the drugs caused side effects, including weight gain.

SURGERY

Eventually, when medications were exhausted, a trip to Chapel Hill for a second opinion brought up the option of surgery.

The two-phase surgery would include several weeks with a colostomy bag before the second phase, when it would be removed and a new section of small intestine is reattached in place of her colon.

Emily decided to go for it.

The first surgery took place during summer break. she doesn’t remember much about her hospital stay other than the pain.

“That was the longest summer ever,” she said.

Emily said she rested, took an online class and recovered from surgery.

The second phase took place in August and was much easier.

“I got back into swimming a month later,” she said.

100 PERCENT

Although she’s still anemic, Emily doesn’t have to take medications other than vitamins.

“It’s the best decision I ever made,” she said. “a year ago, I didn’t know what it was to feel 100 percent. I never knew you could feel that good.”

Emily said now she is focused on raising support for the upcoming walk and has already raised more than $2,000.

“even though my disease is under control, that doesn’t mean I don’t want to help others in their fight against inflammatory bowel disease,” she said. “I’m walking because I want to raise awareness and encourage teens like me to never give up.”

Jody Morgan said the community support has been fantastic.

As for the future, Emily said she is interested in a career in pediatric gastroenterology.

Although she has had her moments of self-pity, overall she has accepted her diagnosis and has made the best of it.

“”I think it’s made my family closer,” Emily said. “We’ll talk about anything now.”

Reach reporter Rebecca Clark at 704-669-3344.

What is ulcerative colitis?

Ulcerative colitis is a type of inflammatory bowel disease that affects the lining of the large intestine (colon) and rectum.

The cause of ulcerative colitis is unknown. People with this condition have problems with the immune system, but it is not clear whether immune problems cause this illness.

According to PubMed Health

More about Emily Morgan

- On a year-round swim team

-  Junior class vice president

-  Participates in National Honors Society, Beta Club, Spanish Club and Interact Club

Swimming achievements

- One of the top three 10-year-old and under swimmers in the 100 individual medley in the state

- Conference, regional and state qualifying swimmer all three years of high school

- Won conference events both freshman and sophomore year

- Placed second her junior year, seventh in the state freshman year, top 10 her sophomore year

- this year, her relay team pulled a close sixth

About the walk

This year’s walk will be held in Charlotte at Freedom Park on Sunday, May 15.  Registration to walk begins at 4 p.m., with the actual walk starting at 5 p.m. There will be food, music, a kids’ zone and more.

Nearly 1.4 million people live with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis. More than 150,000 of those diagnosed are children.

According to the Charlotte Chapter of the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America

I have had Crohn's disease for 7 years. we have wanted to start a family for years but I was constantly sick.The doctors kept reminding me that my clock is ticking (I'm 36). I recovered a little from a never ending flare up, after a miscarriage early this year and since then went off Prednisone completely. Now I am 7 weeks pregnant again. Since finding out I was pregnant I decided to stop taking mesalasine to give this baby a good healthy chance. I am currently feeling sick all the time with nausea, I am finding it very difficult but how can I tell if my symptoms are related to the pregnancy and not to my Crohn's. I am finding it hard to be happy about being pregnant when the symptoms are so similar to Crohn's. I am being being reminded by friends that this will pass after the 1st trimester…I really hope so. Has anyone else experience this while pregnant? thank you.

Howdy folks,

So, I think I’ve had UC since I was about 11 or 12 (I’m 33 now). After many attempts, a doc finally took it seriously and so was diagnosed with either UC or Crohn’s in 2007 – doc didn’t think it was too important which is was which I found odd at the time. he recommended steroids and Asacol which I didn’t take – figured I had gotten along just fine without them until then.Then last year while in Switzerland on holiday, I had a pretty bad flare which wound me up in hospital. had another scope – still didn’t know if UC or Crohn’s. Started Prednisone and Asacol – tapered the Pred after 3 months and stayed on Asacol – 4.8mg/day which I eventually tapered off to 3.2mg which is the only thing I’m on at the moment. Was fine for almost a year. Went into my consultant on 8th Dec – took bloods – nothing showed up. only 2 days later, another flare started… isn’t it odd that nothing showed up in my bloods from 2 days previous??? Anyhow, could only get an appointment for some weeks later so I went in a couple of days ago – they weren’t suprised that nothing showed in my blood tests… and when I pressed them asking which form of IBD I have, they didn’t seem too pushed. Was really blasé about the whole thing… that it “didn’t matter really if it was UC or Crohn’s” – well, it matters to me. They’re sending me in for another colonoscopy on Monday (in 2 da ys) to investigate further, but are talking about putting me back on Pred, adding Asathioprine (Imuran) – really not up for that! I’ve been on the SCD for last 2 weeks – didn’t do the starter diet though as it seemed really challenging…

I guess I’m just really frustrated at the moment… I find it strange that the consultants aren’t too interested in whether it’s UC or Crohn’s… what do you think? also, only 2 days after a flare started, shouldn’t some kind of inflammatory markers have showed up in my bloods???

I really don’t want to go back on steroids, and really really really don’t want to start Imuran… just don’t really know what to do.

I’m frustrated that doc’s just want to suppress the condition and not figure out why this is happening… it’s just all drugs, drugs and more drugs. I’m not a believer in “drugs for the rest of your life” type advice that I’m getting from my doc.

Any advice would be REALLY appreciated!!

Thanks in advance,Dee from Ireland

Medications:

Past – Prednisone – 50mg slowly tapered to 0g over 3 months. Asacol – 4.8mg/dayPresent – Asacol – 3.2mg/dayFuture – doc looking to put me on steroids to get over flare, and start Imuran (foreverrrr! – bah!)

Article by Katie Kelley

Copyright (c) 2008 Katie Kelley

Crohn’s disease is associated with inflammation of the colon or small intestine in sugar (GI) tract. this condition is considered to be discomforting and can cause side effects related to the digestive system

. while more research is needed to better understand the conditions a bit mysterious, the colitis and Crohn’s Foundation of America (CCFA) by the following:

* pedigree (a family history of disease)

* an individual whose immune system

* Standard and Poor’s antigens of foreign substances in the environment

According to CCFA, many scientists believe that ” the interaction of an external agent (Standard and Poor as a virus or bacteria) with the immune system of the body can cause disease. ” Vercors, if an individual has a weakened immune system and also the price they have a family history of ulcer disease or Crohnis coliti, they are at high risk for developing diseases

conditions. also assessed the proportion of individuals also effects were common inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). According to research, there are from 500,000 and 1 million Americans currently have Crohn’s and Bear Fight individuals is between 15 and 35 years old

. Vercors, there are a variety of signs and symptoms of Crohn’s disease and the severity of the signs and symptoms can vary Depending on an individual case owner, according to the National Digestive Disease Clearinghouse ( NDDIC). some signs include:

* / abdominal pain / p> * Fatigue

* loss / food / p> * business, eyes, skin and liver problems

* loose, watery or frequent bowel movements

* in a child stunting and delayed development

Crohn NDDIC the report That Crohn’s disease can be treated in several ways including nutritional supplements and prescription drugs, surgery or a combination of these. the following are treatments for potential drugs:

* Anti-inflammatory drugs

* cortisone or steroid

* immune system suppressors

infliximabs * (remicades)

* antibiotics

* anti-diarrheal and fluid replacement

In the treatment of Crohn’s disease, the immunosuppresants recently been associated with serious side effects in some patients personnel. Among the drugs, called TNF inhibitors, are:

* Cimzia (certolizumab pegol)

* Enbrel (etanercept)

* Humira (adalimumab)

* Remicade (infliximab)

U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has been associated with serious drug side effects ranging from the ability to cause cancer among young people and children of patients Age to fatal infections among patients developed immune system weakened Bear Fight. FDA is currently investigating these serious side effects, Mulia Among one of the drug known as Cimzia.

Sulawesi 10-year period, nearly 30 cases of cancer among young adults and children have been reported, according to Reuters. Cimzia, along with the other TNF inhibitors, have not been recalled at any individuals associated with any adverse development should be examined immediately.

( LegalView.com ) provide a range of other legal information ranging from a developing mesothelioma lawsuit controversial drug for the latest standards and poor Cimzia ( cimzia.legalivew.com ) as well as more information about Chantix danger.

Tags: Crohn’s, disease, Treatment

My 31 year old husband has pretty much every symptom of colon cancer. I'm so worried about him and I'm just wondering what else it could be? The only symptom he doesn't have is fatigue. he is scheduled for a colonoscopy next week, but I'm just wondering if anyone knows if it could be anything besides cancer.

If could be other things, the colonoscopy will find cancer or rule out cancer. If he isn't fatiqued then he must not be losing blood, having blood in the stool is one of the symptoms as a tumor bleeds.

polyps

ulcerative colitis

Crohn's Disease

diverticulitis

Don't worry. it could very possibly be a non-serious thing.

medicinenet.com/colonoscopy/a…

Crohn’s disease is an autoimmune chronic disease in which the individual’s immune system attacks its own intestines causing inflammation. Often the affected part is the final leg of the ileum or small intestine, although the disease can occur anywhere in the digestive tract.

The exact origin of the disease is unknown, but factors known genetic character and increase environmental risk. This evil is encompassed within the group of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD, IBD), which is also part of ulcerative colitis.

The three most common types of Crohn’s response to the affected area of the intestines: Ilealileocolonic Colonic

Alternative Names of Crohn’s: * Ileocolitis granulomatous * Ileitis * Inflammatory bowel disease *Regional enteritis * Segmental Colitis

Depending on the site of inflammation in Crohn’s disease is classified: * Ileocolitis, is the most common form, affects the lower small intestine (ileum) and large intestine (colon). * Enteritis Crohn’s affects the small intestine in general, * Ileitis, which affects the final portion of the ileum or small intestine. * Gastro duodenal Crohn’s disease, which causes inflammation in the stomach and first part of the small intestine called the duodenum. * Jejunoileitis, which causes patches of inflammation in the upper half of the small intestine (jejunum) * Colitis Crohn’s (granulomatous), which affects the colon.

The disease is characterized by periods of activity (flares) and inactivity (remission). these periods vary between patients in remission some tough years, but in other ongoing outbreaks may occur. the reference phases are characterized by the absence of symptoms; while in the phases of activity occur predominantly abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, obstruction and fever, loss of appetite and weight loss.

Crohn’s disease symptoms:Patients with Crohn’s disease symptoms can be very variable. a few suffer almost no discomfort, a few others have severe and continuous discomfort, and most are between two extremes, with symptoms that come and go, generally improve with treatment.

Depending on its location of disease, symptoms may vary. People with small bowel involvement, the most common, are especially diarrhea, abdominal pain and what is called general symptoms: weakness, weight loss, and lack of appetite. In the case of colon involvement, will prevail diarrhea, sometimes bloody.

It also determines the type of disease symptoms. Patients with inflammatory symptoms often have more pain and diarrhea, while those who have symptoms of narrowing, have more pain, and may even bowel obstruction.

It is important to remember that Crohn’s can affect the anus, producing lesions of type fistula, abscess or ulcer, with associated discomfort.

Children with Crohn’s may experience delays in school performance, sexual development and growth.

Crohn’s disease Treatment:Today, Crohn’s disease is not curable, but controllable, and most people can do a normal life. the goal of treatment is to prevent further outbreaks or reduce the duration of which they arise. Alternative treatment diet: low-carb diets are based on the intake of specific carbohydrates and non-complex, which could be effective, more cases of ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s, although not in all cases. Crohn’s disease being one enfermdad autoimmune, the body attacks itself. but why? According to study this is because the immune system mistakes the body tissue structures of bacteria and viruses. many of these bacteria feed on starch (a carbohydrate complex). Therefore eliminating much of diet and certain complex sugars such as lactose, these bacteria. Then the immune system becomes less aggressive and not so strongly attacks the intestines of the digestive system. For example, in the case of rheumatic autoimmune disease that usually causes intestinal inflammation and Crohn’s disease, is considering the possibility that the bacteria in question.? Anyway, in the case of Crohn’s disease is often recommended to patients to avoid foods that will upset them. more specifically, if there is intestinal stricture not to take too much fiber. another possible treatment is a diet which is based on only take high-calorie milkshakes as ensure, after a period of about 2 months the patient goes into remission and recovered the body mass, the symptoms disappear and the likelihood of returning to have another outbreak in the short term is minimal.

Herbal Treatment for Crohn’s Disease:Boswellia and Ashwagandha are well known anti-inflammatory herbs. they have been shown effective in treating conditions such as crohn’s disease.